All Videos Page

Interview by Helena Ruta, part of her Gold Award Project - August 2023

Please introduce yourself and tell us when and how long you were a teacher in the Watchung Schools?

Mr. Robert Murphy. I was a student teacher (Physical Education) in Watchung Schools (Bayberry and Valley View) in the fall of 1980. I returned to the district in the fall of 1992 and taught there for 28 years and 4 months. Prior to that, I taught for 11 years in Green Brook Township.

What grades or subjects did you teach? Why did you choose that grade level or subject?

During my time at Valley View I taught health and physical education to students in grades 5 through 8. Prior to that, I taught health, physical, and driver education to students in Green Brook Township in grades 7 through 12. I chose that particular subject because I liked to play and compete, and I had some great role models when I was growing up.

Why did you choose to teach in Watchung? Tell us about the hiring process you went through.

I chose to return to Valley View because 1) change is sometimes good, 2) at the time the school had a phenomenal reputation (I likened it to private school in a public-school setting and the administration was outstanding), and 3) I had some very good friends that still taught there. The hiring process was pretty simple. It involved the usual application and submitting of my resume. That, and the principal of Valley View came to Green Brook for an observation of me to see how my classes were managed and run. I think I was fortunate that at the time, there were still board members who remembered me from when I student taught and also coached at Valley View.

What are your most memorable experiences relating to the schools?

The students are the best! All of the fond memories center around working with students all those years. They helped keep me young!

Please share your funniest memory serving as a teacher in the Watchung Borough Schools. 

There were so many funny memories it is hard to select one. Middle school students just have the innate ability to put a smile on your face. In physical education, one would be the time we were in Adventure Education and the task at hand was the problem-solving activity called "River Crossing". Without too much explaining, it involved getting your group from point A to point B in the fastest and most efficient way, following a set of rules and guidelines. It was getting down to crunch time and a team came up with a great idea to lay 3 people on top of one another (on scooters), in an attempt to get across first. I don't remember if they were successful or not, but it was incredibly funny nonetheless. In health education, we had just finished up our nutrition unit, and I decided to throw a party. I went to Stop/Shop and purchased a variety of snacks. In the library we had one table with super nutritional snacks, and the other table was filled with complete junk food. When the students were let loose to munch away, of course they ran to the junk food! I remember hollering at them to "FIGHT THE URGE" to eat that garbage. We had a great time!

What was the hardest part about being a teacher and were there any particular challenges that you faced during your time with the school?

Perhaps the hardest part of being a teacher are the countless hours spent at home preparing your lessons, practice plans (coaching), and evaluating student performance. I have to say I don't miss grading tests, quizzes, research papers, projects, etc.

 What changes did you witness during your time with the school?

No comment. 

How did involvement with the Watchung schools affect your life?

Teaching and coaching was a huge part of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the students during the school day in my classes, and after school coaching. It was always great to see students shine outside of a regular classroom setting in activities that they loved and were passionate about. Watchung has great kids!

If there is any advice you could give to students as you reflect upon your career as an educator what would it be?

Follow your heart... it almost always steers you in the right direction.

Anything else you would like to share about your experience as a teacher in the Watchung Schools?

No Comment.